Real Food For Fuel Blog

It's been two weeks since my Ironman and I've been enjoying all things laziness (aka rest and recovery) while trying to get back into the rhythm of normal life again. There's definitely a challenge to the weeks that follow a major race in finding the best ways to use the extra free time you've been suddenly gifted. For me it's actually been a busy couple of weeks which has been a good thing: too little to do and I just tend to lose steam all together.

One of the things I've been trying to reestablish normalcy in includes grocery shopping and cooking (note to self: stock on frozen meals for post-race because I never feel like cooking after. I mean who would?!) Probably the thing I find hardest post-race is reestablishing routine, including that whole healthy eating thing, which of course involves actually buying and cooking food. Yea, I'm getting there slowly!

A goal that I set for myself post-race is to slowly evolve back toward the plant-based diet I had been following for so long before I began having my iron-deficiency issues this past summer. With my iron-levels stable and healthy again and it being the off-season, it's a good time to make such changes and I know it will provide me with some much needed motivation to get back on track dietary-wise.

I arrived in Louisville the Thursday before race day (Sunday race) in a good place. Meaning, I pretty much spent the entire 6 hour drive grinning ear to ear out of excitement for what was to come, but also due to the overwhelming words of support and encouragement I had received from friends. It's hard to be nervous about a race when you feel so incredibly loved! With the worst of my nervousness behind me and my legs having plenty of 'bounce' from the taper, I was feeling confident in my ability to race well and eager to see what this whole Ironman brand was all about.

One major take away from this race is that there are A LOT of decisions that go into racing an Ironman. From goal setting and race strategy to logistics, nutrition and gear selection, you name it. There's a lot of thought that goes into a well-executed race strategy, and lot of decisions that occur during the race itself. These decisions certainly add up and can have a major impact on the final outcome.

About Kristen

Kristen Chang is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) and triathlete residing in southwest Virginia with her husband and dogs. Follow along as she shares favorite fueling recipes, general wellness and sport nutrition tips and stories from her athletic endeavors.[Read More]